Outer-Zone Electron Precipitation,
Abstract
Measurements of energetic electrons (300 keV to 2.3 MeV) within the drift loss cone, of ELF emissions, and of the plasmapause location obtained with instruments aboard the low-altitude, polar satellite OV3-3 (1966-70A) are compared. It is found that there is a knee in the L-shell profile of the precipitated fluxes of outer-zone electrons with the flux decreasing toward lower latitudes. The location of this knee strongly correlates with the morning location of the plasma-pause but does not correlate with the evening location of the plasmapause. It is also found that, for 3.3 = or < L = or < 4.3, electrons are preferentially precipitated in the morning hours after 6:00 local time. This corresponds to the strong morning maximum in the occurrence of whistler-mode ELF emissions. Electromagnetic ELF emissions are often observed just outside of the plasmapause where the maximum flux of precipitated electrons is observed. The experimental data suggest that the morning location of the plasmapause is the controlling factor in the low latitude decrease of outer-zone electron precipitation. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 15, 1970
- Accession Number
- AD0715266
Entities
People
- Alfred L. Vampola
- Donald A. Mcpherson
- Harry C. Koons
Organizations
- The Aerospace Corporation